From a Spurs point of view, Luke Kornet is an excellent fit. A rim protector with pick-and-roll capabilities, his connections with Stephon Castle (aptly nicknamed “White Castle”) supply crowd-pleasing dunks.
Last season, when Victor Wembanyama was sidelined with deep vein thrombosis, the Spurs took a hit. Zach Collins had been traded to the Chicago Bulls and Charles Bassey out most of the season with a lingering MCL injury, the Spurs signed Bismack Biyombo as the lone big man to the team.
This summer,
the Spurs signed Luke Kornet to a 4-year/$41M contract, initially concerning some Spurs fans. It did not take long to appreciate what Kornet brings to the table. His veteran role on the team, NBA Finals experience, and his sense of humor have all endeared him to his team as well as the fans.
But the biggest proof was what the Spurs were able to accomplish when Victor Wembanyama was sidelined this season with a calf strain. The Spurs, in part to Kornet’s presence, maintained a 9-3 record in the month without Wemby.
The road for Kornet was not always paved with praise and happiness. As The Sporting News reported earlier this month, Kornet almost walked away from the game entirely before finding joy on the court again.
“One of my goals at the start of my career was to be the best shooting five in the NBA.”
After a successful four-year collegiate career loaded with blocks and three-point acuity, Kornet signed with the New York Knicks with hopes of becoming the next Brook Lopez.
Two years later, Kornet found himself out of place in Chicago. Injuries (including an undiagnosed broken nose), a lost three-point touch, and a defensive move to the perimeter all hindered his growth. He was sent the Boston Celtics as salary filler in a three-team trade, eventually landing in the G-League.
“I was unhealthily serious and not really myself with it in terms of also feeling pressure and expectation from people. When I went to Chicago and then to Maine, this was kind of like a last chance kind of thing. Let’s see if we can make this happen.”
For a brief time, Kornet considered walking away from basketball altogether. Instead, he embraced his fun-loving personality, the exact sort of characteristic he showcased on December 3rd when he blocked Franz Wagner’s buzzer attempt and then replicated Vince Carter’s 2000 pose. His sense of humor also came to San Antonio in the form of his choice of jersey number.
Kornet chose 7 because it is one-third of 21, Tim Duncan’s number. In doing so, he hoped to be “one-third the player” Tim Duncan was.
After bringing fun back into his process, he abandoned the very three-point shot he’d hoped to define his career and reestablished himself as a viable screen and roll dunker. Defensively, the Celtics began to keep him closer to the rim.
The changes worked, rejuvenated Kornet’s belief in himself and his game, and elevated him back into the a larger rotation role with the Celtics. Boston won a title increasing Kornet’s visibility, making his signing with the Spurs headline summer news. Many pundits declared the Spurs winners of the free agency.
Since his stellar game-saving block, the Spurs have struggled to keep up with the demand for Kornet t-shirts. He’s a bonafide fan favorite.
Last night, as the Spurs were warming up, Kornet received a large ovation when his image was broadcast on the Jumbotron, a reflection of how well he has acclimated in San Antonio and in his career overall.
Whether a backup to Victor Wembanyama, a starter, or in tandem as French Vanilla, Luke Kornet has proven himself on the court. To his team, to fans and to himself.
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
